Cutter chain



Dec. 19; 1939. F, OSGOOD 2,183,581

CUTTER CHAIN Original Filed May 29, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet l izarkfiadyaad. 5

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Dec. 19, 1939. c. F. OSGOOD 2,183,581

CUTTER CHAIN Original Filed May 29, 1953 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 lagm 1,2 11.

Zd/ZQ7 M E Oaggooal. A) ,4- Ma Patented Dec. 19, 1939 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE CUTTER CHAIN of Massachusetts Application May 29, 1933,Serial No. 673,483 Renewed February 24, 1937 12 Claims.

This invention relates to cutter chains, and more particularly toimprovements in cutter chains especially designed for use with coalcutting machines.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved cutter chain.Another object is to provide an improved cutter bit having a pluralityof cutting points whereby when one point becomes dull another point maybe presented to the work. A 10 further object is to provide an improvedcutter bit holding means. These and other objects will, however,subsequently more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings there are shown for purposes ofillustration two forms which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings- Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a section of acutter chain equipped with one illustrative embodiment of the improvedcutter bit and its associated holding means.

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinally extending vertical sectional view takensubstantially on line 3-3 of 25 Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view showing the improved cutter bitholder.

Fig. 5 is a rear elevational View of the bit holder shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is an isometric view showing the improved cutter bit.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing a modified form of cutterbit and cutter bit holding means.

Fig. 8 is a vertical section on the plane of the line 88 of Fig. '7,showing a front end elevational view of the cutter chain block, bit andholder shown in Fig. '7

Fig. 9 is a longitudinally extending Vertical sectional view takensubstantially on line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view showing the modified form of bitholder.

Fig. 11 is a rear elevational view of the bit holder shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is an isometric view showing the modified form of cutter bit.

In the illustrative construction shown in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, thecutter chain comprises a chain or bit block l pivotally connected bytransverse pins 2 to side straps 3, the side straps connecting the chainblocks together. The chain block is traversed by a socket 4 in thepresent instance, said socket extending perpendicularly to the innerplane guiding surface 5 of the cutter chain.

As shown in Fig. 3, the rear wall of the chain block is perforated by athreaded opening 6 for receiving a set screw 1 for holding the cutterbit holder in position within the chain block. As clearly shown in Figs.3 and 6, the cutter bit 8 is generally triangular in shape in sideelevation, comprising abody 9 having a plurality, herein three, ofradially located, equally spaced cutting points I5, H and I2. Thesecutting points 10, H and I2 are each provided with a cutting edge 13 anda front cutting surface !4, the cutting sur faces intersecting at thecutting edges with rearwardly inclined surfaces l5 at the receding sideof the cutting edge. The cutter bit holder l6 has a shank I! projectingwithin the chain block socket and a head provided with a socket l8opening through the rear surface of the bit holder and formed byrelatively inclined outer surfaces I9 and 2E and relatively inclinedinner surfaces 2| and 22. The surfaces 20, 22 of the socket cooperate toform a tapered opening for receiving, in the position of the partsshown, the bit point I2, the relatively inclined surfaces l4, l5 of thebit point engaging the surfaces 20 and 22, respectively. Forwardly ofthis opening is an enlarged opening bounded by the surfaces [9 and 2!,these surfaces respectively engaging the surface 15 of the point ID ofthe bit and the surface I 4 of the cutting point I I. When the bit andbit holder are in the position shown in Fig. 3, with the set screwengaging the bit holder shank to hold rigidly the bit and bit holderwithin the bit block socket, the point i l of the bit projects withinthe bit holder socket with its surface I5 engaging the forward surface23 of the chain block socket, and the bit is clamped in position betweenthe surface 23 of the chain block socket and the surfaces 2| and 22 ofthe socket within the bit holder. The surfaces !9 and 20 of the bitholder socket engage the outer surfaces of the bit, thereby holding thebit point I l in the position shown.

In the modified form of construction shown in Figs. '7 to 12, inclusive,the cutter chain construction is identical to that above described, withthe exception that in this instance the front wall of the bit block isprovided with a threaded opening for receiving the set screw 1, and theset screw acts on the forward edge of the bit holder to clamp the latterin position within the bit block socket. In this form of constructionthe cutter bit 25 is generally of diamond shape in side elevation and isprovided with oppositely extending cutting points 26 and 21 havingrelatively inclined surfaces 28, 29 and 30, 3|, respectively, thesurfaces 28, 30 and 29, 3| intersecting in lines in a transverse planeat right angles to a longitudinal plane including the cutting edges ofthe cutting points. The cutter bit holder 32 is provided with a shank 33projecting within the bit block socket and engaged by the set screw '5.Formed in the head of this bit holder is a bit receiving socket 3 1having upwardly converging surfaces 35 and 3t engageable with thesurfaces to and 35 of the cutter bit in the position of the parts shown.The bit socket 154 is provided with an inner inclined surface 3'5parallel with the surface 36 for engaging the surface 28 of the cutterbit. When the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 9, the cutter bitis arranged within the bit holder socket with the surface 28 of thecutter bit engaging the rearward surface 38 of the bit block socket.

In the use of the form of the invention disclosed in Figs. 1 to 6,inclusive, when the bit point ill becomes dull the set screw i may bereleased and the bit holder removed from the bit block socket. The bitis then removed from the socket in the bit holder and turned into aposition so that one of the other sharp points then becomes active, theparts thereafter being reinserted within the bit block socket and theset screw then tightened. In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 7to 12, inclusive, when the point 2i becomes dull the set screw isreleased and the bit holder removed from the bit block socket. The bitis then turned end for end within the bit holder socket and thereafterthe parts are again inserted in position Within the bit block.

As a result of this invention, it will be noted that an improved cutterchain is provided having an improved cutter bit and cutter bit holdingmeans. It will further be noted that an improved cutter bit is providedhaving a plurality of cutting points and having improved bit holdingmeans whereby when one of the points becomes dull, the relation of thebit with respect to the holding means may be changed to bring anothercutting point into active cutting position. It will further be notedthat in both forms of the invention the cutter bit is of an extremelysimple and inexpensive design, and may readily be replaced when wornout, at a minimum of eX- pense. These and other uses and advantages ofthe improved cutter bit will be clearly apparent to those skilled in theart.

While I have in this application described two forms which my inventionmay assume in practice, it will be understood that these forms are shownfor purposes of illustration only and that the invention may be modifiedand embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit orthe scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by i Letters Patent is:

1. In a cutter chain, the combination of a chain block having a socketarranged at right angles to the path of travel of the cutter chain, acutter bit having more than two radially located equi-distantly spacedcutting portions, each cutting portion terminating in a cutting point,and a detachable bit holder having a portion in-- sertible inwardlywithin said chain block socket and a head projecting outwardly from saidchain block, said head having an opening extending therethrough forreceiving the cutter bit, and said holder engaging said bit to the rearof the active cutting portion thereof for holding said bit in cuttingposition on the bit block with the cutting portions of the bit lying incommon planes extending longitudinally of the chain block, the activecutting portion of the bit projecting outwardly and forwardly withrespect to said holder head.

2. In a cutter chain, the combination of a bit block having a socket, acutter bit having more than two radially located equi-distantly spacedprojections each having a cutting point, and a bit holder receivable insaid bit block socket and engaging all of said projections to the rearof the active cutting point of said bit for holding said bit in cuttingposition on said bit block.

3. In a cutter chain, the combination of a bit block having a socket, acutter bit having more than two radially located equi-distantly spacedprojections each presenting a cutting point, one of said projectionsextending within said bit block socket, a bit holder receivable in saidbit block socket and having a socket for receiving portions or" saidcutter bit, said bit holder engaging all of said projections to the rearthe active cutting point of said bit for holding said bit in cuttingposition on said bit block.

4. In a cutter chain, the comlination of a chain block having a socketarranged at right angles to the path travel of the cutter chain, acutter bit having three radially located equidistantiy spaced cuttingportions, each cutting portion terminating in a cutting point, aninactive one of said cutting portions projecting within said chain blocks and a detachable bit holder having a portion ii'isertible inwardlywithin said chain block socket and a head projecting outwardly from thechain block, said head having an opening extending therethrough forreceiving the cutter bit, said holder engaging said cutter bitrearwardly of the active cutting portion thereof for holding said bit incutting position on said chain block with the active cutting portionprojecting outwardly and forwardly with respect to said chain block andholder head.

5. In a cutter chain, the combination of a bit block having a socket, acutter bit having not less than two similar cutting portions, one ofportions projecting within the bit block socket, and a bit holder havinga shank receivable in said bit block socket and a socket extendingcompletely through the holder for receiving a cutting portion of the bitfor holding the bit in cutting position on the bit block, 32 id holdersocket opening through one end surface of the holder and said bit beinginsertible in the holder socket inwardly of said end surface prior tothe insertion of the holder shank in the bit block socket.

6. In a cutter chain, the combination of a bit block having a socketarranged at right angles to the path of travel of the cutter chain, acutter bit having not less than two similar cutt- 1, portions, aninactive one of said cutting portions projecting within the bit blocksocket and having a plane surface engaging one surface of the bit blocksocket, and a detachable bit holder having a shank insertible inwardlywithin .i bit block socket and an integral head projecting outwardlyfrom said bit block, holder head having an opening extendingtherethrough for receiving an inactive cutting portion of the b" orholding the bit in cutting posit onv on the bit block with the activecutting p0 tion of the bit projecting outwardly and IOI'Wu- I from thebit holder head.

7. In a cutter chain, the combination of a bit block having a socket, acutter bit having not less than two similar cutting portions, one ofsaid portions projecting within the bit block socket, and a bit holderhaving receivable in said bit block socket and having a socket extendingcompletely therethrough for receiving a cutting portion of the bit forholding the bit within the bit block, said holder socket opening throughone end surface of said holder and said bit being insertible in saidholder socket inwardly of said end surface prior to the insertion of theholder shank in said bit block socket, said bit block when said holdershank is inserted in the bit block socket retaining said bit in saidholder socket.

8. In an endless cutter chain, a series of pivotally connected chainblocks, a cutter bit carried by each chain block, each cutter bitcomprising a body having three equally spaced radial 1y locatedprojections, each projection terminating in a cutting point, and meansassociated with said chain blocks and cutter bits for holding the latterin cutting position on said blocks with one of said cutting points ofeach bit in an outwardly projecting cutting position, said holding meansengaging said projections rearwardly of the active cutting portions ofsaid outwardly projecting cutting points, and said bits, when in cuttingposition on the blocks, each having a surface thereof engaging a surfaceon a bit block. 9. In a cutter chain, a series of articulated chainblocks, each having a socket disposed substantially at right angles tothe path of movement of the chain, a bit holder having a head and ashank, said shank insertible in said chain block socket, adjustablemeans on the block for securing the holder shank in said block socket,said holder head having a bit-receiving socket extending completelytherethrough and opening through the front and rear faces of the holderhead, a cutter bit having spaced cutting portions formed with mutuallyinclined surfaces lying in the sides of a dihedral angle and terminatingin cutting points, said bit receivable in said holder head socket withone cutting portion thereof projecting through the holder socketrearwardly of the rear face of the holder head and its active cuttingportion projecting forwardly and outv wardly from the holder socket atthe front face of the holder head, said block having thereon, at theforward side of the holder socket and in such relation to said blockthat said holder can be inserted in and wholly removed from said blocksocket while the position relative to said block of such surface remainsunchanged, a rearwardly facing surface providing an abutment forretaining the bit in and against forward release from the holder socketwhen said holder shank is inserted inwardly within the chain blocksocket, and said cutter bit having a forwardly facing surface thereofengageable with said rearwardly facing surface, said cutter bitreleasable forwardly from and reversible within said holder head socketwhen said holder is released by said adjustable means and movedoutwardly from the chain block socket, to present a sharp cutting pointto the work when the point previously used becomes dull.

10. In a cutter chain, a bit block having a socket arranged at rightangles to the path of travel of the cutter chain, a cutter bitcomprising a body having three equally spaced radially locatedprojections, each projection terminating in a cutting point, and adetachable bit holder having a shank insertible inwardly within said bitblock socket, said holder having a head projecting outwardly from saidbit block and an opening extending through said head for receiving thecutter bit, said holder engaging the cutter bit for holding the latterin cutting position on said block with the active one of said cuttingpoints of the bit in an outwardly projecting cutting position and all ofsaid cutting points lying in common planes extending longitudinally ofthe hit block, and means carried by the bit block and engaging theholder shank for tightly securing holder on the bit block.

11. In an endless cutter chain, a series of pivotally connected bitblocks, a cutter bit carried by each bit block, each cutter bitcomprising a body having three equally spaced radially locatedprojections, each projection terminating in a cutting point, and meansassociated with said bit blocks and cutter bits for holding the latterin cutting position on the blocks with the cutting points of each bitlying in common planes extending longitudinally of the block and withone of said cutting points of each bit in an outwardly projectingcutting position, said holding means engaging all of said bitprojections rearwardly of the active cutting portion of said outwardlyprojecting cutting point.

12. In a cutter chain, series of articulated chain blocks each having asocket disposed at substantially right angles to the path of movement ofthe chain, a bit holder having a head and a shank, said shank insertiblein said chain block socket, adjustable means on the block for securingsaid holder shank in said chain. block socket, said holder head having abit receiving socket extending completely therethrough and openingthrough the front and rear faces of the holder head, a cutter bit havingspaced cutting portions formed with mutually inclined surfacesterminating in cutting points, said bit receivable in said holder headsocket with an inactive cutting portion thereof projecting through theholder socket rearwardly of the rear face of the holder head and anactive cutting portion projecting forwardly and outwardly from theholder socket at the front face of the holder head, said cutter bithaving a forwardly facing surface thereof engageable with a rearwardlyfacing surface stationary with respect to the chain block at the forwardside of the holder, which latter surface provides an abutment forretaining the bit in and against forward release from the holder headsocket when said holder shank is inserted inwardly within the chainblock socket and which latter surface is further so related to saidblock that complete withdrawal and inser-- tion of said holder withrespect to the block socket may be effected while said surface remainsstationary with respect to said chain block, said cutter bit releasableforwardly from and reversible Within said holder head socket when saidholder is released by said adjustable means and moved outwardly from thechain block socket, to present a sharp cutting point to the work whenthe point previously used becomes dull.

CHARLES F. OSGOOD.

